Prostate Surgery

Prostatectomy is a surgical procedure that removes part of or all of the prostate gland. The prostate gland is part of the male reproductive system, located in the pelvis, below the bladder.

Prostatectomy can treat certain conditions that affect the prostate. It is most commonly used as a treatment for prostate cancer.

A prostatectomy can be done in several ways, depending on the condition involved. Sometimes, minimally invasive surgery with a robotic device can be performed. Other times, a traditional open surgery can be performed. When the entire prostate and some tissue around it are removed, it is called a radical prostatectomy. Two types of radical prostatectomies are open radical prostatectomy and robot-assisted prostatectomy.

When a surgeon performs a robot-assisted radical prostatectomy, they make five to six incisions in the lower abdomen to remove the prostate. The surgeon sits at a computer console and controls surgical tools attached to robotic arms. Robot-assisted surgery lets the surgeon operate with precise movements.

 

At doctors appointment physician shows to patient shape of prostate gland with focus on hand with organ. Scene explaining patient causes and localization of diseases of prostate, problems and signs

A prostatectomy can treat health conditions other than cancer. A simple prostatectomy is when a part of the prostate is removed due to these conditions. It can be a treatment for serious urinary symptoms and an enlarged prostate gland called benign prostatic hyperplasia. A simple prostatectomy is often done as a minimally invasive surgery with robotic assistance.

There are many potential advantages of robotic-assisted surgery, including:

  • Robot-assisted surgery provides the surgeon with 3D images inside the abdomen and pelvis that create a clearer picture to reference as they operate.
  • Under the surgeon’s direction, the robot can move more freely and with more versatility than a human hand
  • You’ll have a few tiny scars.
  • You’re more likely to experience less pain and less bleeding after surgery compared to open surgery.
  • A shorter hospital stay.

For more information about robotic surgery at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center or to learn more about other surgical options, please call (718) 206-7110 to make an appointment.